Free Jazz Standard Sheet Music Downloads

"Keepin' Out Of Mischief Now" is a 1932 ballad composed by Fats Waller. Waller was a towering figure in early jazz — a virtuoso stride pianist, prolific composer, and irrepressible entertainer who shaped the sound of the 1930s and '40s.

The song is a 32-bar AABA form, commonly performed in E♭ major at a slow to medium tempo. Its graceful, lyrical melody exudes a romantic warmth that is quintessentially Waller. The harmony is gently diatonic, with the bridge providing a smooth modulation that creates a tender contrast before returning to the main theme. The tune works beautifully in stride piano settings as well as in modern jazz interpretations, offering soloists a rich melodic foundation for expressive improvisation.

Louis Armstrong's 1932 recording was the first to bring the song to a wide audience. Fats Waller's own 1937 solo piano version is a masterclass in stride technique, full of his characteristic charm and inventiveness. Thelonious Monk notably performed the tune in concert, demonstrating its enduring relevance in the modern jazz repertoire.